The latest update in this series of reports summarises the trends which were on show at the European fabric fairs for the spring/summer 2017 season. The author of the report visited Munich Fabric Start, Première Vision Fabrics and Milano Unica where she interviewed exhibitors and found out first-hand which trends were proving to be the most popular. Overall, the mood at the fairs was upbeat, in spite of economic slowdowns in emerging markets such as Brazil, China and Russia which are continuing to affect some of the European textile industry's major customers. There was an overwhelming impression of "romance", created by fabrics which incorporated elements of pretty decoration, floral designs, lace and embroidery. Translucence and transparency were also important features, and there was much evidence of sheer voiles and organzas as well as fine mesh fabrics. Fabrics incorporating tape yarns and raffia were key, and many incorporated decorative fringing effects. Patterns were also prominent, and important print themes included romantic and sweet florals, African style motifs and textures, and brush stroke textures. Linen fabrics had a strong presence at the fairs and many companies were offering linen in blends with fibres such as wool and silk.

Table 1: Premiere Vision Fabrics: number of exhibitors by source country, February 2016Table 2: Premiere Vision Paris: number of visitors by source country, February 2016Table 3: Leading European fabric fairs for spring/summer 2017 and autumn/winter 2017/18